Lock



Feb. 17, 1931. H .WEISSENBOECK- l Lock 'Fi-led Feb.. e, 1929 2 sheets-snm 2 l 3o I?" .8

sa e 5 f T3 l @f7 Cir PatentedFeb. 17, 1931 innen? trans wnrssnniaoncir, or" Los AnsnLns;caLrroiz-nrn Loox s Application tiled February 6, 1929. Serial No. 93228311v This invention relates to locks, and'more especially to combination locks, i. e., to thatV type of lock which does not require a key for its operation, but which maybe operated by manipulatingaccessible portions of the lock in ai predeterminedmanner. j Y Y An object of the' invention is the vprovision of alock,` which, after being properly mount ed,` accessibly presents an operating handle and a plurality of buttons, each of which buttons is foimed by the projecting end oi" a push rod, and each ofwhich must be depressed a predetermined number of times before the 'operating handlemay be activated torelease the lock'.v Y v j A further object is the provision oi a lock of the general character described, Vhaving means for retaining the operative partsl ofthe lock in unlocked position after the combina- Ition has once been set, so` that subsequent de` pression of any of the lbuttons will not again setthe lock, this means beings'o arranged that it may be instantly rendered inoperative when' it is desired to again set the lock.

A further, and one of the inventions more important objects, is the provision oi a combin ation lock which is of 'very simple nature, and which contains a relatively few constituent parts, each of which may be very easily 'i and economically manufactured. Furthermore, the lock is very easily assembled, being composed of a minimum 'number of parts which require threading1 for their proper mounting in association with the other parts ot the lock. rl`his is an important detail in that one of the problems in lock manutacturing, is to eliminate allv screwed connections possible, because of the length or time required in making this type of connection.

The invention possesses other objects and advantageous features, some of which, with those enumerated, will be set forth in the iollowing description of the inventions particu` lar embodiment which is illustrated in the drawings accompanying and formingaA part of the specification.l I f Referring tothe .drawingsz'k y Fie-ure l is a front elevation of a lock embodying theieatures of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a horizontal, medial sectional-view,-V

the plane of section beingtaken vupon the line 2 2 of Fig. l, with the vdirection'.'of view as v indicated.

:'Fig. ,3 isla vertical, transverse sectional view vtaken uponr the line 3*3 of Fig; 2, with the direction ,oi view as indicated.l

F fr is vertical, media-lsectional view ot the lock casing, and showing the shank and retaining sleeve mounted therein inside elevaticn. i'

i Fig. 5 is atransverse,vertieal sectionalview taken upon the line 5 5 otliig. 2,' with the.

direction of view as indicated, andshowing thelocking rods in locking'position.

ll ig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5, but show'- ing the locking rods moved to' releasing position. j

Figa 7 isan enlarged', fragmentary, secvtional view of a portionl of the sleeve,andv showing one of the retaining blocksin side elevation.V y

'Fig'. 8 is a view` similar to Fig. 7,`oi a VVeffected by the activation of a push rod, one or which 1s associated with eachy of the locking rods. Consequently, the lock can not be unlocked until each of the buttons has been activated the proper number or' times, 'with the result that secret knowledge is required before the lock can be released.

Speciiical'ly describing the invention in its most preferred embodiment of which l Vam Cil at present aware, the operative parts of the lock are mounted 'within a casing 6, having a flange 7 extending therefrom to4 'facilitate mounting the lock in any desiredsupporting structure such as a door. A plurality of holes 8 are provided in the flange 7 for the recep# tion or screws or analogous fastening means.

A'shank l1 isjournalled within the casing for rotary movement,v and this shank llmay l be extended from the casing 6 in any convenient manner as at 12, and provided with threads 13 or other suitable attaching means to facilitate connection of the shank 11 to a latch bolt or any other mechanism which itis desired to have operated by the lock of the present invention. A disc 14 is receivable upon a squared portion 16, so that the disc is in effect, a flange rigid with the shank 11. A convenient method of assembly is afforded by providing a slot 17 in the top of the casing 6 leading into the recess 18 in which the disc 14 is mounted, so that the disc 14 may first be slipped into the recess 18 through the slot 17,and the shank 11 then thrust through the bore 19 of the casing 6, and through the disc 14. A pair of back plates 21 and 22 are adapted to fit into an annular groove 23 in the shank 11, to prevent the shank from being withdrawn from the casing 6; and these plates 21 a d 22 are removably securable in place by screws or their equivalent.

The disc 14 or fiange, as this member will hereinafter be termed, is provided with a plurality of notches 26 in its periphery; and

associated with each notch 26, is a locking rod 27. These rods are mounted for longitudinal sliding movement in the casing 6, with their axes disposed in parallelism with that of the shank 11; and each locking rod 27 passes through one of the notches 26 in the flange 14, as clearly shown upon Figs. 5 and 6. Consequently, the locking rods 27 normally hold the fiange 14, and with it the shank 11, against rotary movement. However, each locking rod 27 is provided with a notch 28, and each rod 27 is adapted to be so moved that its notch 28 comes into register with the flange 14, and permits rotation of the shank 11 so as to operate the mechanism to which the shank 11 is connected. A handle 29 is rigid with the shank 11 at the front end of the lock, to facilitate turning the shank after all the locking rods 27 have been moved to releasing position.

As shown upon F ig. 2, the notches 28 in the various locking rods 27', are disposed at different points in respect to the length of the rods 27, with the result that it is necessary to move each of the rods 27 a different distance in order to effect releasing of the lock. Furthermore, each locking rod 27 is provided with a spring 31 under compression between the inner end of the rod 2'? and the bottom of the recess 30 in the casing 6 within which the associated locking rod 27 is slidably mounted, with the result that the springs 31 are continually urging the locking rods 27 to their extreme forward position, this forward position being indicated upon F ig. 2.

Means are associated with each of the locking rods 27 for moving them longitudinally inwards against the action of their associated springs 31. A push rod 32 is reciprocably mounted within the casing 6' adj acent` each of the locking rods 27. The extent of the reciprocation of each of the push rods 32, is limited by a pin 35 or its equivalent, extendinwards from the exterior of the casing 6 into a slot 35 in the push rod 32, this slot 35 being so proportioned that the movement of the rod 32 is limited as desired. A coil spring 33 is under compression between the inner end of each of the push rods 32 and the inner end of the recess within which that push rod is slidably mounted, urging the rod 32 to its outermost extreme of movement. Each of the push rods 32 carries a paw- 36 which is urged by a spring 37 to extend through a slot 33 in the casing 6 and er a row of ratchet teeth 39 on the asso ciated locking rod 27, the parts being so proportioned and arranged that when the push rod 92 is pressed inwards to the inner eX- Uu treme of its movement, the pawl 36 will engage one of the teeth of the row 39 and move the associated locking rod 27 inwards a distanre greater than the distance between two ofthe teeth 39. but less than the distance between three of the teeth 39.

Means are also provided for retaining the locking rods against reversed sliding movement when the associated push rod returns to initial position. Each locking rod 27 provided with a pawl 41 which is urged by a spring 42 to engage a ratchet tooth 43, a row of which is provided adjacent each of the locking rods 27, and all these rows of ratchet teeth 43 being formed upon a sleeve .vhich is mounted for rotary movement in the casing 6 and encircling a round portion 46 of the shank 11. A groove 47 is provided upon one side, and a smooth portion 48 is provided uponthe other side of each of the rows 43 of ratchet teeth, these smooth portions 48 and grooves 47 extending parallel to their associated rows of teeth 43. More over, the sleeve 44 may be rotated to any one of three optional positions; and to facilitate this rotational adjustment of the sleeve 44, a plate 49 is rigidly attached to the flange 51 with which the sleeve 44 is provided, and a finger 52 extends radially outwards from the plate 49, beyond an enlarged head 53 of the shank 11. A projection 54 is formed upon the under side of the finger 52, to be removably received within any one of three depressions 56 in the front of the casing 6, to releasably retain the sleeve 44 in selected position, it being understood that the depressions 56 are so arranged that when the projection 54 is seated within the renter one of the depressions 56, the rows 43 of ratchet teeth on. the sleeve 44 will be in register with their respective pawls 41, when the projection 54 is seated within the right hand depression 56, the smooth portions 48 of the sleeve 44 will be in register with the pawls 41, and when the projection 54 is seated within the iwi,

mez-,era

left4 hand depression '56,', the' Vrowsr 435er ratchet teeth will` be Vin register with the grooves 47.

The plate '49,

shank 11 and the other *parts Vof the lock when the shank llis turned; f

A block 61, such as that 'shownl inFig. 7,is securable within each ofthe grooves'47, each of these .blocksV being'pr'ov-ided with a plu'-` rality of teeth 62. It is yto be "observed how- 5 ever, that these teeth 62` are spaced: avgreater distance apart than the teeth 43' on the sleeve As shown in Fig. .4, the teeth 62-are in-V alignment with alternate teeth 43ofjthe adj a pawl 41 when the locking rod 27 bearing that :e pawl, has been moved to bring its slot 28 into then, that after all the locking rods 27 haveV been moved to unlocking position, a space 66l register with the flange 14. Itis obvious in each of the'blocks 61, will be in register with the associated pawl'41, whereupon the `linger 52 may be turned to the lett to bring* the grooves 47 of the sleeve 44, intoI register with the respective pawls 41. This will bring all the pawls 41 intoV spaces66. If one ot the push rods 32 is now pressed, inadvertently or fotherwise, the combination will not be vdestroyed because the pawl 41 can not ride over the next tooth 62 of the block 61,7the

spacing betweenthese teeth 61 being greater f than the distance-travelled by the associated Fig. 8A

locking rod27 during each stroke. shows a slightly modified form ofV block wherein the teeth 68 and 69 are separated-a distance equal to thatv between three of the teeth 43. Y

The operation of the lockot the presentinvention is substantially as follows:

. The operative parts of the lock are-shown inV initial orrlocked position vupon Fig. 2. In

\ order to unlock the mechanism-it is necessary to depress each ot' the push rods 32 ai predetermined number of times, thel number of depressions for each rod 32,being determi-ned by the spacing of the associated' notch 28=1in the locking rod 27. As each push rod 32, is

depressed, its pawl 36 engages one of the teeth 39 on the associated locking rod 27, and

moves that locking rod inwards a distance determined by the4 length of the slot 35. Then, when the push rodV 32 is released',V its i is securely attached to the flange 51 of' the sleeve 44, as'by a plurality of screws and anti-friction bearings -57` are interposed between thehead 535 andthe plate 49, to eliminate friction between the- Spfing sa ein remera to initialposain, but the locking rod 27 is restrained Vagainstf'returningto initial position, by its pawl Y41 coming into'enga'gement with the after side of one of the teeth 43 on the sleeve44, it being. understood of course, that the finger 52 has tirstbeen moved'to central position. When the push rod 32j is againV depressed, the as"` sociated locking rod 27 will be moved inwards' another step, and this operation of thepu'sh rod 32 is to be lrepeated that number of times which is necessary to bringthe notch 28 into register with'theiiang'e 14. Itis to be understood-'that the same process is to bev carried? -fout with each of the push rods 32,A witht'he exception however, that the number ot activa# tions` of each of the push rods tomove their respective lockingrods'27 to unlocking position, will not necessarily be the same, because of thetact that the notches 28' inthe various locking rods 27, may be positioned differently in respect to the length of therods 27. Itis obvious therefore, that inv order'that the lock shall be released, Vthe operat-or Ymust have knowledge ot' the number ottimes each o the push rods 32 must be activated'.f

`Vh'enall the push rods 32 have been depressed. the proper number of times, the' i handlef29 may be turned so as to turn the shank 11 and operate the mechanism to which i thelock is connected.V It it be desiredto so arrange the device thatl inadvertent destroying of the combination will' be prevented, the finger 52 may be moved to bring its projection 54 into the left hand depression 56, which will dispose each ot the pawls 41 within the spacev 660i the associated block 61, as previously described. It is to be observed' Athat ifi the. blocks` 61 were'provided with but a single tooth 62, it would be possible for an` unauthorized person to solve the combination and open the lock. pressing all the'push rods 32 a sufficient number of times to move all the locking rods27 past unlocking position, and then movingthe finger 52 to the lett, bringing the grooves47 intoregister with the'pawls 41. Then the springs 31would press Vall the locking rods 27 outwards until the pawls 41 engagedthis single tooth 62, whereupon the locking rods 27 would all be in unlocked position. There- This could be done by dethe block 61 than that against which thefasso' ciated pawl41 is engaged when its locking rod 27 is in unlockedV position, this method of solution of the combination is prevented.A

However, if there were but two of the teeth 62, it Vwould still be possible for the lock to be solved relatively easily, by experimentation.`

For example, an unauthorized person could operate each of the push rods in succession,

pressing the irst'push rod once, and then moving the linger 52 to the left. YIf thisA movement of the inger V52 resulted in a click,

les Y' caused by the locking rod 27 being pressed outvv ls bythe spring 3l, the` person Would knoiv that the locking rod 27'had not been mor-fed to unlocking position, whereupon he would depress the push rod 32 twice; Then, upon moving the finger 52 to the left, and hearing another click, he would depress the push rod 32 three times, and so on until he found the number ot times that particular oush rodL 32 required being pressed to move its ass ciated locking rod 27 to unlocking position. This process could be carried out With each el he push rods 32 until the entire combination has been solved. Therefore, by the provision of at least one tooth 62 between the forward end of the block 6l and that tooth G2 against` which the a ociated paivl tl engages When its locking rod 2? h as been moved to unlockin position, this method of solving the combination, is prevented.

lVhen it is desired to again set the lock, the finger 52 should be moved to right hand position, whereupon the smooth portions Li8 iviil be brought into register veith the paula l, and the springs 3l Will push all the locking rods 27 to outermost position. rlhen, the lock can be released only by again properly manipulating the push rods lf it be desired to change the c this may be done by substiti rods 27, in which the notches 2 ently disposed. lli/Then this is done, it is necessary to also move the associated blocks (il so that they are positioned to be in register with the associated pawls 4l when the notch 28 is in register with the tlange le.

lt is to be understood that the details of the invention as herein disclosed, are subject to alteration Within the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

l claim:

i. i lock comprising` a casing, a shank mounted for rotary movement therein, a flange carried by said shank and having a notch in the periphery thereof, a rod slidably mounted in said casing and extending through said notch to hold said flange and shank against rotary movement, said rod having notch therein, means for sliding said rod in a predetermined number of successive steps to bring its notch int-o register with said iis-.nge nd release the shank for rotary movement, operative to render said 2 s Y, ans i2 operative after the rod has been moved to releasing position.

2. A lock comprising g a casing, a shank mounted for rotary movement therein, a flange carried by said shank and having a notch in the periphery thereof, a rod slidably mounted in said casino' and extending through said notch to hold said flange and shank against rotary movement, said rod having a notch therein, means for sliding said rod in a predetermined number of successive steps to `bring itsnotch into register with said flange and release the shank for rotary movement, and means operative to render said rod sliding means inoperative.

3. A lock comprising a casing, a shank mounted for rotary movement therein, a flange carried by said shank and having a notchrin the periphery thereof, a rod slidably mounted in said casing and extending through said notch to hold said flange and shank against rotary movement, said rod having a notch therein, means for sliding said rod in a predetermined number of successive steps to bring its notch into register with said flange and release the shank for rotary movement, means operative to render said rod sliding means'inoperative after the rod has been moved to releasing position, and means for returning said rod to locking position.

4. A lock comprising a casing, aI shank mounted for rotary movement therein, a flange carried by said shank and having a not-"h in the periphery thereof, a rod slidably mounted in said casing and extending lirough said notch to hold said flange and shank against rotary movement, said rod having a notch therein, means for sliding said rod in a. predetermined number of successive steps to bring its notch int-o register with said flangeand release the shank for rotary movement, means operative to render said rod sliding means inoperative after the rod has been moved to releasing position, resilient means urging said rod to locking position, and releasable means for holding said rods against the action of said resilient means. i

5. A lock comprising a casing, a shank mounted for rotary movement therein, a flange carried by said shank and having a plurality of notches in the periphery thereof, a rod slidably mounted in said casing and eX- tending through each of said notches to hold said flange and shank against rotary movement, each of said rods having a notch therein, means for sliding said rods in a predetermined number of successive steps to bring the notches in said rods into register with the flange and release the shank tor rotary movement, means operative to render said rod sliding means inoperative, resilient means uring said rods to locking position, and releasable means for holding said rods against the action of said resilient means.

6. A lock comprising a casing, a shank mounted for rotary movement therein, a flange rigid With said shank and having a plurality of notches in it-speriphery, a locking rod slidably mounted in said casing and extending through each of said notches to hold the flange and shank against rotary movement, a push rod slidably mount-ed in said casing adjacent each of said locking rods, a ratchet and paWl mechanism interposedlbetween each ofsaid push rods and its associated locking rodfor sliding thelocking rod a predetermined ldistance Yeach time the push rod is actirvated,la sleevemounted for rotary movement withinjthecasing, and a ratchet 'and pawl mechanism interposed between said sleeve and each lof said locking rods to hold the locking rod against reversed sliding movement when the associated push rod returns to the beginning oi its stroke.

g77. A lock comprising Vacasing, 4a shank mounted for rotary movement therein, a iiange rigid with said shank and having a. pluralityoi notches in its periphery, a locking `rod slidablymounted in said casing and extending through each of said notchesto hold the flange andV shank against rotary movement, a push rod slidably mountedin said casing adjacent each oi' said locking rods, a ratchet vand pawl mechanism interposed between-each` of said push rods and its associated locking rodgtor sliding the locking rod a predetermined distance each time the push rod is activated, a sleeve mounted for rotary movement within the casing,`a

ratchet and pawl mechanism interposed between saidsleeve and each of said locking'rods to hold the vlocking rod against reversedV sliding movement when the associated pushlrod returns to the beginning-of its stroke, means for turning said sleeve to disconnect the ratchet and Vpawl Amechanisms associated therewith, andresilient means for returning said locking rods to initial position yafter the sleeve has been turnedto disconnecting position. v, f-

` 8. A: lock .comprisinga casing, a shank mounted Ior rotary movement therein, a

`flange rigid with saidvshankand having a plurality of notches in its periphery, a locking rod slidaloly mounted in said casing and extending. through each fof said notches to hold the-flange and shank against rotary movement, .resilient lmeans v locking rods in position'to vengage a tooth of the associated row and hold the locking rod against reversedsliding movement as the associated push rod returns to initial position, said sleeve having a smooth area extending along one side of each of sai-d rows of ratchet teeth, and means for turning said sleeve to bring said smooth areas into register with the associated pawls and release g, 9. A; '100k Comprising a' easing, a Shank mounted for rotaryV movement therein, a, flange rigid with said shankjand having a plurality of notches in its periphery,.a locking rod slidablymounted in said casing and extendingthrough each oi' said notches to hold the flange and shank against rotary movement, r'esilien1r means urging said locking rodsfto locking position, a push rod slidably mounted in said casing adjacent each lof said locking rods, a ratchet and pawl mechanism interposed between each of said push rods anditsassociated locking rod for sliding the locking rod a predetermined distance each time the push rod is activated, a sleeve mounted for `rotary movement within the casing, a row of ratchet teeth onsaid sleeve adjacent each otsai-d locking rods, a pawl carriedhy each ci' said locking rods in position to engage a tooth of the associated row andhold the locking rod against reversed siiding movement as the associated push rod returns to initial position, Ysaid sleeve havinga groove extending along'one side of each 01": said rows of ratchet teeth, a block disposed within each of said grooves and comprising a pair of spaced shoulders in alignment with two non-adj acent teeth of the associated row, the space between said shoulders being in alignment with the `associated retaining pawl when vthe associated locking rod is inflange releasing position, and means for turning said sleeve to bring said grooves into register with said pawls. Y

A lock comprising a casing, a shank mounted for rotary movement therein, a flange rigid with said shank and havinga ing rod slidably mounted in said casing and extending through each of said notches to hold the flangel and shank against rotary movement, resilient means urging said locking rods to locking position, a push rod slidably mounted in said casing adjacent each of "said locking rods',a ratchet and pawl mechanism interposed between each of said push rods and its associated locking rod for sliding the locking rod a predetermined distance each time the push rod is activated, a sleeve mountedfor rotary movement within the casing, a row 'of ratchet teeth on said sleeve adjacent each of said locking rods, a pawl carried by each of vsaid locking rods in position to engage a tooth ofthe associated rowV and hold'the Y locking rod against reversed sliding movement as the associated pushrod returns to initial position, said sleeve having a groove eX- tending along o-ne side and a smooth area extending along the other side of each of said rows of ratchet teeth, a block disposed within each of said` grooves and comprising a pair of spaced shouldersin alignment lwith two nonadjacent teeth of the associated row, the

plurality of notches in its periphery,- a locklli lil)

space between said shoulders being in alignment with the associated retaining pawl when the associated locking rod is in ange releasing position, and means for optionally turning said sleeve to bring said rows of teeth, said grooves, or said smooth areas into register with the associated pawls.

11. A lock comprising a casing, a shank mounted for rotary movement therein, a flange rigid with said shank and having a j ilura-lity of notches in its periphery, a locking rod slidably mounted in said casing and extending through each of said notches to hold the flange and shank against rotary movement, resilient means urging said locking rods to locking position, a push rod slidably mounted in said casing adjacent each of said locking rods, a ratchet and pawl mechanism interposed between each ot' said push rods and its associated locking rod for sliding the locking rod a predetermined distance each time the push rod is activa-ted, a sleeve mounted for rotary movement within the casing, a-iow of ratchet teeth on said sleeve adjacent each of said locking rods, a pawl carried by each of said locking rods in position to engage a tooth of thevassociated row and hold the locking rod against reversed sliding movement as the associated push rod returns to initial position, said sleeve having a groove extending along one side of each of said rows of ratchet teeth, a block disposed within each of said grooves and comprising a pair of spaced shoulders in alignment with two nonadjacent teeth of the associated row, the space between. said shoulders being in alignment with the associated retaining pawl when the associated lockine rod is in flange releasing position, means i'or turning said sleeve to bring said grooves into register with said pawls, and means for varying the position of each of said blocks in respect to the associated row ot ratchet teeth.

12. A lock comprising a casing, bolt-operating means therein, a plurality of locking rods slidably mounted in said casing in position to optionally release or hold said bolto'peiating means inoperative, means for movin each of said rods in a predetermined number of steps into releasing position, a sleeve mounted for rotary movement Within said casing, and a ratchet and pawl mechanism interposed between each of said rods and said sleeve to hold each rod against return movement between successive steps of said rodmoving means.

13. A lock comprising a casing, bolt-operating means therein, a plurality of locking rods slidably mounted in said casing in position to optionally release or hold said boltoperating means inoperative, means for moving each of said rods in a predetermined number of steps into releasing position, a sleeve mounted for rotary movement within said casing, a ratchet and pawl mechanism interposed between each of said rods and said sleeve to hold each rod against return movement between successive steps of said rodmoving means, means for turning said sleeve to disconnect said ratchet and pawl mechanisms, and resilient means for returning said locking rods to initial position after the sleeve has been turned to disconnecting position.

14. A lock comprising a casing, bolt-operating means therein, a plurality of locking rods slidably mounted in said casing in position to optionally release or hold said boltoperating means inoperative, means for moving 1each of said .rods in a'predeterinined numoer of steps into releasing position, a sleeve mounted for rotary movement within said casing, a row of ratchet teeth on said sleeve adjacent each of said rods, a pawl carried by each of said rods in position to eiigage a tooth of the associated row and hold the associated rod against return movement between successive steps of said rod-moving means, said sleeve having a. groove extending along one side of each of said rows of ratchet teeth, a block disposed within each of said grooves and comprising a pair of spaced shoulders in alignment with two non-adja-` cent teeth of the associated row, the space between said shoulders being in alignment with f the associated retaining pawl when the associated locking rod is in releasing position, and means for turning said sleeve to bring said grooif'es into register with said pawls.

15. A lock comprising a casing, bolt-operating means therein, a plurality of locking rods slidably mounted in said casing in position. to optionally release or hold said boltoperating means inoperative, means for removing each of said rods in a predetermined number of steps into releasing position, a sleeve mounted for rotary movement within said casing, a row of ratchet teeth on said sleeve adjacent each of said rods, a pawl carried by each of said rods in position to engage a tooth of the associated row and hold the associated rod against return movement between successive steps of said rod-moving means, said sleeve having a smooth area eX- tending along one side of each of said rows of ratchet teeth, spring means urging each oi' said locking rods to locking position, and means for turning said sleeve to bring said smooth areas into register with said pawls.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

HANS WEISSENBOECK.

llO 

